Page 104 of Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy

We’re past the point when I run.

Past the point when he feels he has to stop and apologize.

Because we’re past the point when it’s a joke.

He’s not teasing anymore.

He likes me the way I like him.

Lex

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Calypso sends me goofy pictures of her at the store when her mom’s back is turned. She’s never looking directly at the camera and she’s almost always off center, but the photos taken on her outdated phone are amazing nonetheless.

After the striking disappointment that my bird friend didn’t take residence in my room, I didn’t think she’d have this much happiness in her. She’s truly a stellar actress, to not let it show how it affects her so.

I snort, dropping my phone into my pocket and heading down to the kitchen to make her pumpkin muffins. I’ve never been so eager to text anyone else in my life.

“Alexander.”

All the merriness I found abandons me cold. I turn to find my father. He’s holding a slim card. Something fancy and trimmed with gold flourishes. I pull my gaze off it to meet his eyes in the same instant he extends it.

“What?” I ask. Why is he even home right now? Is he actually taking a day off?

“I’ll be hosting an event here the end of next month.”

“Oh?” I turn back toward the kitchen, already dreading the crisp suits that will clog every inch of my house. With any luck, I can hide in my room the whole night.

My father follows me, agitation rising into his voice. “Alexander, it’s a business event. I’m hopeful to establish several agreements and expand Hawthorn Enterprises. I want you there.”

“It sounds positively dull.” I pull a cookbook off a little shelf and flip it open to search for a recipe for pumpkin muffins.

My father releases a slow breath. “Perhaps, but it’s importantfor you to learn how to be an active part in these sorts of events. Your attendance is non-negotiable.”

I don’t lift my gaze from the pages. “Well, then. I’ll send one of my suits to the cleaners and tell them to polish my cuff links.”

“Alexander.” My father’s tone hardens. He slaps the card down over the recipe I’m looking at. It’s an invitation, and my heart stops when I read it. When I go quiet and still, my father murmurs, “I’m interested.”

Calypso Kole.

An invitation toCalypso Kole.

My head shakes. “No. No, you don’t get to beinterestedin anything concerning her. I told you days ago when you asked how she was that it was none of your business. She doesn’t have to feel pressured to come to something stupid like this just because you’reinterested.”

“If she doesn’t want to come, that is her prerogative. I can’t very well force her. You will, however, deliver this invitation.”

“Like heck I will.”

“Alexander.” My father’s eyes turn stony. “I already said, it’s non-negotiable.”

“Yeah. For me. Why do you even want her there? Don’t make me sick. She’s twenty-one, Father.”

He scowls. “Don’t insult me like that. I’m only thinking of you.”

A bitter laugh leaves me, and I feel my phone buzz against my thigh. “If you were thinking of me, you’d take my word when I say I don’t want to subject her to this.”

“I’m not ignorant, Alexander. You’ve never dared to bring a girl home before.”